The Carolina Panthers were defeated by Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday 34-31 in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs.
Carolina put up quite the fight against L.A., as wide receiver Jalen Coker was the star of the show, recording nine receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. However, the Rams’ offense, led by Stafford and superstar WR Puka Nacua, was too much for the Panthers’ defense to handle.
With their 2025 season in the books, attention for the Panthers turns to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Panthers Predicted To Add TE Kenyon Sadiq in 2026 NFL Draft
The Panthers’ 2025 tight end room was led by Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. The former finished the year with 27 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns, while the latter recorded 19 receptions for 171 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It’s clear an upgrade could benefit quarterback Bryce Young.
In PFSN’s latest mock draft, Alec Elijah predicts the Panthers will select Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the No. 25 pick.
“Recent seasons have seen Carolina’s tight end group struggle to threaten defenses and rarely create separation. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq doesn’t share those same struggles when you watch his tape. As a receiver, Sadiq is a natural,” Elijah wrote. “Pairing him with Tetairoa McMillan gives Carolina two explosive, high-upside pass catchers who can grow alongside their quarterback.”
In his junior season with the Ducks, Sadiq tallied 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. During his three seasons at Oregon, the 6-foot-3 tight end hauled in 11 touchdown catches.
PFSN ranked Carolina’s offense No. 25 in the league with an impact score of 70.0, so it’s clear adding another weapon to aid Young is necessary.
Sadiq’s talent as a receiver is arguably not the most appealing part of his game, as despite his smaller frame for a future NFL TE, he is a phenomenal blocker. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has proved how valuable a multi-talented player can be at the position.
The Panthers taking the first tight end off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft feels likely, especially after their loss to Los Angeles.
